Sabrina Carpenter tones down headline show - but she's still at her best

Sabrina Carpenter, the 26-year-old American pop sensation, delivered a memorable performance at London’s BST Festival in Hyde Park on Saturday night. Known for her bold lyrics and confident stage presence, Sabrina surprised her fans by toning down her usual act to create a more family-friendly atmosphere for the 65,000-strong crowd. Throughout the show, she made several changes to her performance style, making sure that everyone, including young children, could enjoy the music without any discomfort. For example, during her song Bed Chem, a message appeared on the screen warning parents about the content, but Sabrina still managed to keep things light-hearted. Instead of her usual suggestive dance for the song Juno, she used a t-shirt cannon to shoot shirts into the audience, which was a big hit with fans. Despite these adjustments, Sabrina’s energy and talent shone through as she performed a 17-song setlist filled with her biggest hits. Her bright smile and lively hair flips kept the crowd entertained, and her ability to switch from upbeat dance numbers to emotional acoustic solos showed just how skilled she is as a performer.

Sabrina’s music resonates with many young people, especially those who use dating apps and experience the ups and downs of modern relationships. Her songs are full of stories about heartbreak, friendship, and the challenges of dating, making her relatable to her fans. She first gained fame as a Disney Channel star, but her journey to the top has been a long one. Sabrina started posting singing videos on YouTube at age 10 and even placed third in a competition to find the next Miley Cyrus. After landing a role in the TV series Girl Meets World in 2013, she began releasing music and has now put out six albums. However, it was only recently that she achieved worldwide recognition. In 2024, she broke UK chart records by becoming the first artist in 71 years to spend 20 weeks at number one with her hit Espresso. She also became the first female artist to hold both the number one and number two spots on the charts for three weeks in a row.

During her London show, Sabrina expressed her gratitude to the audience, saying how much she appreciated everyone coming out to see her. She added playful moments to her performance, like fake commercials for sprays that erase bad boyfriends and mattresses for 'activities,' keeping her signature cheeky humor alive. However, the overall tone of the show was more suitable for all ages, possibly because of the many children in the crowd or because Sabrina wanted to avoid more controversy. Earlier this year, she faced criticism for a racy performance at the Brit Awards and for the original cover art of her new album, which some groups said sent the wrong message. Sabrina responded by releasing new artwork that was more positive.

The concert ended with a special moment as Sabrina rode a crane over the audience, giving fans a chance to see her up close and capture videos for social media. She thanked London for being such a great crowd and called it one of the biggest shows of her career. She finished with her hit Espresso, sipping a martini from a crystal glass. While some fans hoped for a surprise guest, it was clear that this night was all about Sabrina. She proved that she can adapt her style to suit different audiences while still delivering a fantastic show. Sabrina Carpenter’s journey from a young YouTube singer to a global pop star is a testament to her hard work and talent. Her ability to connect with fans and put on a great performance, no matter the setting, shows that she is truly at the top of her game.